Police Rescue Five Congolese Nationals from Ibadan Hotel in Anti-Trafficking Operation
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued five nationals of the Republic of Congo from a hotel in Ibadan in what is suspected to be a case of human trafficking.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the victims were rescued from Bollarz Hotel, Araromi area of Ibadan, during an intelligence-led operation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
He said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command, which prompted the Commissioner of Police to order immediate action.
The rescued nationals were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the victims were lured into Nigeria by a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin.
The suspect reportedly promised them greener pastures and better economic opportunities.
Ayanlade said Smith was not found at the hotel during the raid, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend him.
He said the rescued persons have received medical attention and undergone necessary medical examinations.
The Commissioner of Police has directed that the victims be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, for further action in line with established procedures.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons, and urged members of the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations(Daily Sun)
